We conclude our holiday blog campaign with today’s post. For the past 12 days we have posted 12 blogs with 12 tips. We hope everyone has enjoyed the 144 total tips regarding holiday decorating, entertaining, gift purchases, recipes and more!
So on this very special holiday, we would like to wish you and yours the very happiest of Holidays!
It’s a tradition with my family year after year. We always pile up in our car and drive around to look at Christmas lights. There is one house in particular we always stop and see. We call it the ‘NOEL House’ as it has the ‘NOEL’ saying prominently displayed on its rooftop. We also make it a point to go to see the Holiday lights at Virginia Beach Oceanfront. There is something grand about looking at the holiday light displays across our city. I look in amazement at the creativity and the excitement that I feel. I feel like a child again, anxiously waiting for the big day!
Accumulated by americasbestonline.net, here is a list of the best holiday light displays in cities across the nation. Look who turned up number 11! J If you are near one of the areas, make sure you go out and look at the wonderful lights displayed.
1. Silver Dollar City- Branson, MO
Millions of Christmas lights cover the whole park. Plus, the entire city is transformed into a holiday wonderland each evening at 5:30 p.m. as guests join together on the Square for the lighting of the dazzling, five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree. Adorned with over 250,000 lights coordinated to blaze to the musical movements of Christmas songs, this unique Special Effects Christmas Tree presents classics such as “Carol of the Bells” and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” in a spectacular light and sound show.
2. Oglebay Festival of Lights- Wheeling, WV
In 1985 a holiday tradition began at Oglebay and spread throughout the city of Wheeling. That tradition is the Winter Festival of Lights celebration. The first year, displays and landscape lighting covered about 125 acres over a three-mile drive throughout the resort. Since then, the show has grown into one of the nation’s largest Christmas light shows, covering more than three hundred acres over a six-mile drive throughout the resort.
3. Fantasy of Lights- Pine Mountain, GA
A 5 mile drive by car or trolley takes visitors past 13 holiday scenes with more than 8 million Christmas lights. Since 1992, this outdoor light and sound show has glittered with holiday magic for millions of people. Families from across the Southeast have added Fantasy In Lights to their list of memorable holiday traditions. This year, experience the 15th annual Fantasy In Lights with its eight million lights creating more than a dozen beautiful scenes, and you’ll see why this is the brightest holiday light show in the South!
4. Smoky Mountain Winterfest- Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, TN.
Smoky Mountain Winterfest is a magical celebration that begins in late fall. Ride the Trolley Tour of Lights around Pigeon Forge and claim a spot on the sidewalk for Gatlinburg’s “Fantasy of Lights” Christmas Parade, featuring lighted floats, marching bands and giant helium balloons. This event combines 3 Tennessee cities: Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. These neighboring Smoky Mountain towns are ablaze with 5 million lights thru February.
5. Trail of Lights - Austin, TX
The Trail of Lights is a mile long display of 42 lighted scenes, US Post Office, Santa’s House, the Yule Log, and an entertainment stage. The festival begins with the lighting of the Zilker Tree, a 155 feet tall, 180 feet diameter lighted tree consisting of 3,309 bulbs on 39 streamers strung from Austin’s historical Moonlight Tower. Since 1987 the honor of lighting the tree has been bestowed upon the winner of the city-wide children’s tree coloring contest. The tree lighting ceremony takes place on the first Sunday of December.
6. Magical Nights of Lights - Lake Lanier, GA
Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s 16th annual Magical Nights of Lights holiday celebration. Known as the world’s largest animated light extravaganza, the fun kicks off November 22 through December 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 pm. nightly! Bring the whole family a drive through tour of over six miles of twinkling, holiday light displays and a live nativity scene complete with live actors and animals!
7. Holiday Festival of Lights, Charleston, S.C.
Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission created the Holiday Festival of Lights to bring families and friends together and to raise support for the Charleston county park system. With over 600 individual displays located throughout the park in 132 power locations, the Holiday Festival of Lights is a magical sight to see!
8. Enchanted Garden of Lights, Chattanooga, TN
See Rock City! The gardens’ natural beauty is complemented by more than 25 holiday scenes as half a million lights illuminate rock formations along the Enchanted Trail.
9. Southern Lights - Lexington, Ky.
The annual Southern Lights event is the largest fundraiser held for The Kentucky Horse Park. Over 25,927 vehicles passed through the electrical wonderland in 2006 alone! Everything from petting zoos, model railways, arts, crafts, and Santa Claus fill the Indoor Attractions section free of charge to guests.
10. Mission Inn - Riverside, CA
This magnificent hotel and grounds have over two million Christmas lights! Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season as our Dickens’ Carolers stroll throughout the hotel every Thursday through Sunday, beginning November 25, 2005, or enjoy a romantic carriage ride around the grounds - to take in the lights of the holiday season.
11. 100 Miles of Lights - Virginia Beach, VA
Come share the glow of the season and experience millions of lights and hundreds of events from Virginia’s capital city to the Atlantic Ocean. The region will glitter and glow, sparkle and shine with lights, lights and more lights. 100 Miles of Lights features holiday events and activities in Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.
Drive-through and walk-through light shows will dazzle and shine with more than two million lights, providing a colorful backdrop to the wide range of events and activities for the young and young-at-heart. Lighted boat parades, city illuminations, festivals, parades, living history re-enactments, caroling, dining events, music and dance are among the many activities occurring throughout the region from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.
12. Bright Nights at Forest Park - Springfield, MA
New England’s most popular holiday destination and largest drive-through lighting display. Two and a half miles of Forest Park are illuminated with more than 500,000 twinkling lights, bringing the magic of the holiday season to life for people of all ages, in dozens of dramatic scenes such as “Poinsettia Fantasy,” “Seuss Land,” “Toy Land,” and “Victorian Village.” Plans are in place this year for bright new displays, and special celebrations to commemorate the holiday traditions of the many cultures that make up the region.
I know you know those people we’re referring to. The people you ‘have’ to like and ‘need’ to get a gift for. It could be a friend you’ve known through the various social circles you travel, or it could actually be a relative you’re not fond of. Whomever it may be, during the holiday season you are forced to come up with a gift idea suitable for them. Wouldn’t it be great if you could really tell them how you feel? Well how about doing it in a backhanded way through your gift this year?!?! Take a look…..
1. For the friend who is always in debt and complaining 
about money-a ‘Managing Your Money for Dummies’ book (added bonus would be a piggy bank)!
2. For your smelly friends-a body wash gift basket set. She’ll think you’re just being sweet, but you’ll know the real reason why!
3. For the domestically challenged-a cookbook with a gift card to a restaurant. Just in case the ‘oops’ occasion happens (which we all know will)!
4. For the winer-literally a bottle of wine! Maybe even throw in some cheese. Better yet, a violin ornament. For the heart strings she’s pulling…….
5. For the friend with a POS car-a AAA Membership
6. For the friend who constantly talks about losing weight but can never seem to drop the chocolate-the ‘Weight Watchers Complete Cookbook’. (an accessory could be a scale)
7. For the single friend in your life-a frog statue with a note ‘kiss me, I’ll turn into your prince charming’…..then hopefully she can leave YOU alone!!
8. For the cat lady…..duh! ANYTHING with CATS!!!!! They’ll enjoy it, but you’ll get a kick out of the real reason you purchased it. Soon enough cat trinkets will start out numbering the actual amount of cats she has!!
9. For the friend who is WAY TOO chatty-a timer. Or better yet, if conversations always seem to circle back to her, a boomerang!!
10. For the ‘great listener’ friend-In one ear and out the other earrings. They are found at Uncommongoods.com
11. For the friend with constant drama-a set of Knife earrings. You could say it’s because she loves to cook……(but we all know the truth)! These are also found at Uncommongoods.com
12. And finally, sticking with holiday tradition-a Nutcracker! For the real ‘ball breaker’ in your life! (nuts sold separately)
Hope this made you smile today, just thinking of the gifts you’d like to purchase for someone!! If you have any more ideas regarding gift giving for frenemies, let us know!! We all have them in our life….
Do you plan on throwing a party this December? I know I certainly do. Having a little party is a great way to have friends over and enjoy the merriment that is Christmas. So if you’re looking for tips and ideas for hosting a holiday party, check out our list. We’ve provided you with the essentials to make your party a success!
1. Invitations! Be sure and send out invitations. With the busy holiday season, your party is not the only one people would like to attend. Send out invitations in advanced so others know to put yours on the calendar! I would personally recommend Evite.com as that is a great website for you to host all your party’s details and list of attendees.
2. Holiday Decorations Outside Your Apartment. As guests come up to your home, you want to make sure they immediately feel the holiday spirit!
3. Holiday Decorations Inside Your Apartment. Check out our ‘Must Haves’ list for holiday décor (link).
4. Menu. Catering would be the easiest solution as you don’t have to prepare the food while you’re scrambling with other details. However, it is an alternative that could be more expensive. Regardless of what option you choose, make or cater, be sure to include a variety.
5. Beverage Assortment. Not everyone will drink regular soda (especially the diet conscientious). So be sure to have a plethora of options for your guests. Water for the non-drinkers! Or a neat idea would be to have a hot chocolate bar!
6. Entertainment. Be sure your guests are entertained at this event. Have a raffle for them to participate in, or games for interaction.
7. Music. Having a little holiday music is great for the backdrop of conversations taking place. It eliminates the lull of silence should any conversations cease for a period of time.
8. Theme. Want to incorporate a theme?? You could do an ugly Christmas sweater contest! Seeing all your friends in the ugliest creation is sure to get lots of laughs!
9. Serve Ware. Use plastic plates, cups and utensils for easy clean up at the end of the night. A ‘go green’ effort would be to recycle them all after washing them off in the sink!!
10. Attire. As the host/hostess you’ll be the center of a lot of activity. You’ll be answering any questions someone may have about the apartment (i.e. location of bathroom), partaking in just about everyone’s conversation, etc. So you’ll want to make sure you look good! Be sure and get dolled up for your holiday party by wearing a nice holiday outfit!
11. Thank You Gifts. A nice touch would be at the end of the night to have a little ‘party bag’ for your guests to take home. Something to remind them of the good times they had at your holiday party. It can be elaborate or something simple. It’s a really nice gesture for sure!
12. Relax!! You are finally at the party you’ve worked so hard to plan. So relax and enjoy your time with friends and family!!
We hope you have a terrific holiday party season! Have fun and be safe!!
I saw this article on AOL Shopping and it’s title immediately captured me…. “What Your Christmas Tree Says About You.” So of course, being the curious body I am, I had to click on it and see what my tree says about me! Check it out……
Fresh Cut:
A grown-in-the-ground tree not only has roots but is deeply rooted in ancient Christmas tradition. If your family takes the time each year to find their own fresh fir, that probably means that you have tremendous personality tied to old-fashioned traditions as well. Often, people with real trees like to go ‘by the book’ and are authentic. It also suggests that you are a diligent and reliable individual and you find joy in the simple things in life.
Artificial:
A faux tree is frequently favored by the frugal, because after a year or two of use- the artificial tree would have paid for itself. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who decorate fake branches year after year, you might be someone who values convenience too– once an artificial tree is completely set up there’s no extra maintenance required to keep it pretty.
Pre-Lit:
Even more frugal & efficient than an artificial tree is one covered with permanently placed lights. If you have a pre-lit tree then you probably are a perfectionist and know how to prioritize well, valuing your time & knowing when to cut corners in order to enjoy yourself and the holidays as much as possible; inarguably the worst task when it comes to tree trimming has to be hanging the lights, and eliminating this chore is sure to make spirits bright!
Tschotschke Christmas Tree:
Sentimental people love to cover their tree with all kinds of ornaments and goodies, with every glance comes a new ornament discovery and often unexpectant insight into the family life. If your tree is covered in trinkets and tschotschkes, you are probably an open individual who is comfortable with expressing and sharing yourself. Chances are your considered child-like and playful when it comes to Christmas.
The ‘not’ Christmas Tree:
If you choose to display a decorated palm tree or topiary instead of the traditionally triangular Christmas tree, you’re certain to be the jovial, humorous type who is perhaps a bit impish and prone to practical jokes. Because you know that everyone who visits will have comments (both critical and complimentary) you might be attention oriented year-round as well.
Upside Down:
You’re always full of surprises and your unexpected ways often lend to mixed messages being sent out about your personality. Chances are you’re actually pretty traditional at heart but you love turning the expectations of others onto their heads (no pun intended). You might be the gluttonous sort- many families choose upside down trees because they can fit more presents underneath.
Half Christmas Tree:
You are determined to make your childhood Christmas memories come to life again, whether you actually have the space to do so or not. You are a creative problem-solver and also someone who satisfies their desires no matter what, your main tools being thoughtfulness and elbow grease. You are probably the innovative type if you’re seeking out a half tree, as many families aren’t even aware of this type of tree.
Snow Covered:
Idealist love snow-covered Christmas trees because they are artificial representations of a traditionally ideal “White Christmas”. Imaginative types enjoy this type of tree as well because although the blanket of plastic white flakes would never be mistaken for real snow, it allows one to stare and dream of the delightful real thing.
Uniquely Colored Christmas tree:
Artists and the creative types just love to express themselves, especially with color and the unexpected twists in ordinary things. What better way to make a huge statement than with an off-color Christmas tree? Other people that take pleasure in an unusually hued holiday tree include those visual perfectionists that are extremely obsessed with keeping their home color scheme unmarred, even if it’s just for the holiday season.
Table Top Christmas Tree:
Just because your main tree is a table-top tree doesn’t mean your Christmas spirit is in miniature too. You may be taxed for space, but some table-top types might just feel less is more and may be most interested in the emotional joy of the season without having much of a need for a prominent physical representation.
While the later options are a bit more exotic, it is interesting to think how your holiday décor says a lot about your spirit both in and out of season. So what’s your take? Do you believe that a Christmas tree really can give you signs of who the owner truly is???? Based on mine I’m frugal (cheap) and only care about convenience (lazy). While I don’t care too much for the description, I can admit that those two items aren’t far from the truth during the holiday season! Ha ha
If you really want to get a good laugh, check out some of the photos from this article “What Your Christmas Tree Says About You“, I particularly like the ‘uniquely colored Christmas tree’ option! J Happy Holidays!
A time honored tradition in my home was an advent calendar used to count down the days until Christmas. The specific one in my house had 25 boxes with little gift ornaments. Each day my brother and I would open up the little box with a surprise ornament in it and hang it on the tree. It was something I looked forward to everyday. But an advent calendar isn’t limited to Christmas; it really can be used for different holidays such as solstice, Hanukkah, etc.
So in keeping with childhood memories for me, I searched for ways to incorporate this craft for kids during the holidays. eHow.com actually had a really cute one, which I thought I’d share……
For this craft you’ll need a large piece of cardboard, scissors, popsicle (craft) sticks, acrylic paints, paint brushes, brads, glue (hot or liquid white will due), a variety of small boxes, and of course, items to decorate the boxes with: ribbon, rope, etc.
Step1
Gather all materials and find a large surface to assemble the calendar. Make sure it is next to an outlet if you are using a hot glue gun. The number of small boxes you need will depend on the number of days you are counting down to your holiday event!
Step2
Lay out your cardboard and arrange boxes into a wreath (ring) shape on it. Remember to place them far enough apart that you will be able to easily remove their lids. Trace a circle around the outside of all the boxes. Trace another circle around the inside of all the boxes. Clear the boxes off the cardboard. You should be left with the outline of a wreath (ring). Cut out this shape with scissors or a craft knife. It is your base.
Step3
Glue the popsicle sticks to the back of the cardboard ring. These will give it extra stability when the boxes are filled with treats. Let the glue dry before going on to next step.
Step4
This is the fun part! Paint the calendar base (cardboard ring) and boxes as desired. Use seasonal colors, images, and don’t forget to number the boxes!
Step5
Glue your boxes onto the painted cardboard ring. Keep in mind to place each far enough apart for the lids to come off easily. If you are using brads, now is the time to poke a hole (with scissors) through the box bases and cardboard base to insert the brads. This helps the boxes stay put if the glue fails. Let the glue dry before moving on to the next step.
Step6
Decide where to put your calendar. It can go on any surface as it is, or you can add a festive ribbon or rope and hang it from your wall.
I hope you and your child/children enjoy creating this holiday craft. Spending time with family is what the holidays are all about. Why not make some great memories in the process!
Football equals Thanksgiving, right? Now I would consider myself every inch of the word “fanatic” when it comes to sports, but I would have to put food over football when equating one or the other to Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, by the way, is my favorite holiday! Now that that’s out of the way, I would say one of our country’s greatest pastimes is to eat turkey and watch football on Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is a time for families to get together and just spend quality time. Now for those of you who live in apartments, don’t feel left out.
I am also a renter who is having house guests for the holiday. I live in a one-bedroom apartment, but it’s pretty roomy. Roomy enough for my three younger sisters to crash. It works because the atmosphere becomes more intimate and you get that closeness with your fam. Granted they’re not rabid sports fans like me, they suffer through it to spend time with me! Don’t let apartment living stop you from really enjoying your sports. I know I certainly don’t let it stop me!
The Thanksgiving Day Classic is one that carries rich tradition. This American football custom began in 1920 showcasing five teams, all of whom are now defunct. This year Thanksgiving Day gives way to 3 games on Thursday, November 27th. The Detroit Lions play host to the Tennessee Titans, fresh from their first loss of the season with a kickoff time of 12:30 PM. The Titans will definitely be taking out some frustration. Poor Lions, the Titans are going to whip them like some potatoes! Next, the Dallas Cowboys play host to the Seattle Seahawks with kickoff scheduled for 4:15 PM on Fox. Even without Tony Romo, Dallas should have no problem brushing the Seahawks to the side. And last but not least, we have the Arizona Cardinals visiting the Philadelphia Eagles with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 PM on the NFL network. I’m a little hesitant to give a prediction on this game because the Eagles are streaky, but Arizona, better yet, Kurt Warner, has definitely been showing more than shades of his former self.
You can turn your apartment into a Thanksgiving Day Classic haven for your family and friends by visiting ForRent.com or our Holiday Guide on our blog. Now don’t choke on turkey while screaming for you teams! Gobble, Gobble!! Happy Thanksgiving.
This is actually the first post we’ve done regarding diet, but it is one that is near and dear to my heart. Last year during the holidays I searched & found an exercise regime that would meet with my holiday ‘sin’ such as cocktail parties, buffet dinner or dessert binges. But this post is more directed as proactive rather than reactive. Here are tips for you to avoid overeating in the first place during the holiday gatherings:
With these tips in mind, hopefully everyone will be able to stick to their plan of not overeating. With the holidays being so close together, it really is key to be prepared so you can enjoy all to the fullest!
Life is full of stress and headaches, especially from the world-wind excitement of buying Valentine’s Day gifts. So in honor of you, we want to post some tips to help you relax and focus on yourself for a change!!
Something that always helps me to relax is taking a bath. I love just sitting in a hot water with my eyes closed. It’s very relaxing. I feel like my mind can just take a break from all the things I worry about & for a moment, I soak up the steam and calm all my nerves.
Whatever way you take a bath will work. If you prefer some salts or turning off the lights and only using candles. Maybe you like hearing some soft music in the background? Whatever you prefer is what you should do. And no matter what other tasks you ‘could be’ doing or whoever may be knocking at your door, take as much time as you need! This is ‘me’ time!!
After your bath don’t rush to get dressed. While in your bath robe or towel sit and put some lotion on your legs and arms. Apply a good layer and just enjoy the feeling of being rejuvenated. This would also be a perfect time to do a mud mask for your face if you’d like! This is still apart of your ‘me’ time so don’t try and multi-task. You’re worth the extra time you’re putting into yourself. Otherwise, you’ll rush into doing something else and never really give yourself the amount of time it needs to unwind.
So once you’ve applied the lotion or any other type of beauty product, you can get dressed. My recommendation is to dress in comfortable clothes. If you don’t have a pair of silky pajamas, I urge you buy a pair. They feel beautiful on your skin. Other fabrics that would feel wonderful would be cotton, micro-fiber, a chenille blanket, etc.
And finally, the end to a wonderful pampering session is to actually do an activity you want to do. Maybe you want to have a cup of tea, hot chocolate, or coffee, sit and read a book. Or maybe you want to catch up on your favorite soap or do your nails. Whatever activity you enjoy (doesn’t necessarily have to be alone-although that’s usually when you take care of your needs versus someone else’s) do it! After unwinding, taking some time to do something you want to do will really make the ‘me’ time really worth it!!
It’s been a really long time since I’ve taken the time to do this, so I think I’m due for one!! I wish all of you the best pampering session as well!
Want to know how to make Toll House cookies from scratch? It’s really not that hard! Just take a look….
Items needed:
2 1/2 cup Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1 cup Butter
3/4 cup Gran. Sugar
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Water
2 Eggs
Process:
Mix well. Add 1 cup of Chocolate Chips (optional 2 cups of Oatmeal). Set your oven to 375 degrees and cook on a baking pan for 10-12 minutes!
And enjoy with a cold glass of milk!!
